a travel blog by renata green
Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of the ancient city of Anuradhapura in 993. Sidenote: I’d like to say that due to their length, these Sri Lankan names are very Social Media-unfriendly.
Apart from the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, Polonnaruwa consists of the monumental ruins of the garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
This Way to the Whole Story ->During a visit to Kandy – geographically and metaphorically Sri Lanka’s navel – I’d like to guide you to the small town of Embekke from where you can take an idyllic temple hike to Pilimathalawa.
After having spent four days in Kandy, I ask myself: Why?
Honestly, I didn’t really get it. And after some additional online research, I’m definitely convinced that it is almost hysterically overrated.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Let me guide you to Nuwara Eliya and Haputale in Sri Lanka’s Highlands, an earthly Garden Eden where the world-famous Ceylon Tea is growing.
While I was soaking in the dreamy landscape around Nuwara Eliya, the rolling hills covered with tea bushes, the skies opened and within minutes, everything was….soaked.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Whatever you like, you’ll find it in Sri Lanka: Whether it’s archeological sites, lush sceneries in the highlands, jungles, beaches – and animals, lots and lots of wild animals and endemic birds. You can observe them on Safaris – where the only kind of shootin’ is with your camera, of course. Although the most popular Safari-site is Yalla, the national park of Udawalawe doesn’t offer only the far cooler name, it grants also a much more idyllic and intimate experience – mainly with elephants, that are not in the room since they are roaming practically everywhere.
Here is a Guide.
It wasn’t even on purpose that I neatly divided my trip into three parts: a culture tour during the first week, a nature trip during the second, and now it’s the final countdown on the coast.
Beach Hopping from Mirissa.
But first I spent two thoughtful and memorable days in Tangalle.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Guide to Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s Highlights – and one of eight sites listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.
Therefore, the historic Galle Fort is one of the country’s most visited tourist places.
For a reason.
I spent a night to remember – a night at the Kagura.
When travelling, I love to attend folkloristic spectacles. Due to the language barrier, I prefer dance shows. In Kandy on the island of Sri Lanka, I saw a dance show, in Chiang Mai in Thailand it even came with a traditional dinner. On the island of Bali, I witnessed Kecak in Uluwatu and went to see a performance every single night during my stay in Ubud.
You can imagine my excitement when I found out that on Saturdays, there is a Kagura performance at the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum. Saturday – perfect, I’ll be in Hiroshima on Saturday, so nothing will hold me back from spending a night at the Kagura.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Since the Malayan people consists of various ethnicities and different religions, Malaysia is definitely Asia’s most fascinating melting pot.
Also, when it comes to tourism, the country has been stepping up a notch. However, it’s by far not overrun by tourists. Apart from the fascinating cultural mix, you’ll still find unspoiled nature and empty beaches.
This Way to the Whole Story ->So here comes a Guide to Ipoh, Malaysia’s third-largest yet probably most underrated city and a two-hour train ride north of the capital. However, it is mostly considered a gateway: To the Cameron Highlands in the east or to Pangkor Island in the west.
Still, Ipoh’s own attractions should not be underestimated: The Hakka Chinese heritage, mysterious cave temples, and bustling Asian city life.
This Way to the Whole Story ->This is a guide to George Town on Pulau Penang, after all, one of my favorite cities in all of Asia.
What makes it so special?
I don’t even know where to start.
It was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia and became – together with Singapore and Malacca – a British crown colony in 1867.
George Town, counting about 710,000 inhabitants, is Malaysia’s second-largest city and the capital of Penang Island.
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